Team USA Men Crush Slovakia In Olympic Opener

After 6 goals in 14 minutes in the second period it was very clear who was coming out on top Wednesday night. Team USA crushed Slovakia 7-1. And if there were any lingering questions about the Americans offensive abilities and their aptitude to play on Olympic ice, their doubters were silenced with this victory.

The Americans had a 1-0 lead entering the second period but Detroit Red Wings Tomas Tatar tied it up for Slovakia early in second period, but Tatar’s goal only seemed to ignite Team USA.

Feb 6, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; A general view of the Winter Olympics Logo and the NHL Logo on the boards during the game between the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins during the first period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Americans were led by Paul Stastny, who had had two goals, and Phil Kessel, who had a goal and two assists. Livonia’s Ryan Kesler also chipped in a goal and assist.

“I guess you never really expect to beat a team like that 7-1, and you never do it in a tournament like this,” Captain Zach Parise said. “We just capitalized on the chances we had, moved the puck well and used our speed.”

Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard didn’t dress for Team USA.

Howard’s Detroit teammate, Pavel Datsyuk, did dress for Team Russia and appeared to play half-speed in Russia’s 5-2 win over Slovenia.

Many expected the Russians to dominate Slovenia. However, they led only 3-2 entering the third period. But two third-period goals, by Valeri Nichushkin and Anton Belov, sealed Russia’s victory.

Up next for Team USA is Russia on Saturday. This is a game that’s being billed as Russia’s revenge for the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” when Team USA defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union 4-3 in the Lake Placid Olympics.